Did the Centre Really Allocate Rs 3,229 Crore to Panjab University?
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Synopsis
The BJP claims that the Centre allocated a significant Rs 3,229 crore to Panjab University, contrasting sharply with the Punjab government's mere Rs 538 crore contribution. This article delves into the political dynamics, funding discrepancies, and recent decisions affecting the university, highlighting the importance of financial responsibility.
Key Takeaways
- The Centre has funded Panjab University with Rs 3,229 crore since 2014.
- The Punjab government’s contribution is only Rs 538 crore.
- Recent political decisions reflect public sentiment.
- The university's Senate and Syndicate reform notification has been withdrawn.
- Punjab government owes Rs 250 crore to the university.
Chandigarh, Nov 7 (NationPress) The BJP's Punjab unit emphasized that the Centre has allocated Rs 3,229 crore to Panjab University in Chandigarh, while the Punjab government's contribution stands at merely Rs 538 crore. On Friday, they praised the Union government for retracting the notification that aimed to dissolve the university's Senate and Syndicate.
"This decision honors the sentiments of the people of Punjab," stated BJP state Vice President Subhash Sharma during a media briefing. He highlighted that the action taken by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to revoke the notification on October 28 is a reflection of sensitivity towards public opinion.
Sharma accused the AAP government in Punjab of attempting to mislead the public. He asserted that it was, in fact, the state BJP that communicated the concerns of Punjab's populace to the Centre.
Accompanied by state media head Vineet Joshi and spokesperson S. S. Channy, Sharma explained that the notification regarding reforms in the Senate and Syndicate was annulled on November 4 due to public sentiment.
This notification has been suspended indefinitely, meaning it will not be enforced now or in the future.
Sharma reiterated that the BJP's position is firm: the interests of Panjab University and Punjab's rights will be upheld.
He pointed out that both the Chief Minister and the state Education Minister are ex officio members of the Senate but have failed to attend any meetings.
"In addition, the two MLAs nominated by the state Assembly have also missed every meeting," he noted.
Sharma mentioned that the reform process originated during the tenure of Vice-Chancellor Prof Arun Grover under the Congress government, involving a committee with representatives from the Punjab government.
He questioned the Punjab government's stance during those discussions, asking if they were against or in favor of the reforms. For three years, there has been no correspondence with the Centre nor any meetings with the President to express objections.
Sharma illustrated with figures that since 2014, the Central government has granted Rs 3,229 crore to Panjab University, while the Punjab government has contributed only Rs 538 crore.
"The Centre fulfills its complete 60 percent share, whereas the Punjab government has only provided 20 percent instead of the expected 40 percent."
He added that currently, the Punjab government owes Rs 250 crore to the university, covering pensions, hostel fees, and scholarship funds.
Sharma urged the AAP government to cease the "political theatrics" and address its financial obligations by releasing the overdue Rs 250 crore.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the growing financial disparity between central and state funding for education. The BJP's assertion highlights the need for accountability from state governments and a call for equitable distribution of resources to support higher education institutions.
NationPress
07/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How much has the Centre allocated to Panjab University?
The Centre has allocated Rs 3,229 crore to Panjab University since 2014.
What is the Punjab government's contribution to the university?
The Punjab government has contributed only Rs 538 crore to Panjab University.
What recent decision did the Union government make regarding the university?
The Union government withdrew the notification to dissolve the university's Senate and Syndicate.
What is the current outstanding amount owed by the Punjab government?
The Punjab government currently owes Rs 250 crore to Panjab University.
Who is Subhash Sharma?
Subhash Sharma is the BJP state Vice President who spoke about the funding and governance issues of Panjab University.
